TOEFL iBT Score Calculator (2019)
Calculate your estimated TOEFL iBT score based on the 2019 scoring system
Your TOEFL iBT Score Results
Comprehensive Guide to TOEFL iBT Score Calculation (2019)
The TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test) underwent significant changes in 2019, particularly with the introduction of a shorter test format in August 2019. This guide provides a detailed explanation of how TOEFL scores were calculated in 2019, including the scoring algorithms, section breakdowns, and what your scores mean for academic and professional opportunities.
Understanding the TOEFL iBT 2019 Structure
The TOEFL iBT in 2019 consisted of four main sections, though the test duration changed mid-year:
Pre-August 2019 Format
- Reading: 3-4 passages (60-80 minutes), 30-40 questions
- Listening: 4-6 lectures (60-90 minutes), 28-39 questions
- Speaking: 6 tasks (20 minutes)
- Writing: 2 tasks (50 minutes)
- Total test time: About 4 hours
August 2019+ Format (Shorter Test)
- Reading: 3 passages (54 minutes), 30 questions
- Listening: 3 lectures (41 minutes), 28 questions
- Speaking: 4 tasks (17 minutes)
- Writing: 2 tasks (50 minutes)
- Total test time: About 3 hours
How TOEFL iBT Scores Are Calculated (2019)
Each section is scored on a scale of 0-30, with the total score being the sum of all four sections (0-120). Here’s how each section is scored:
1. Reading Section Scoring
The Reading section is scored based on the number of correct answers (raw score), which is then converted to a scaled score of 0-30. The conversion tables differed slightly between the old and new formats:
| Raw Score (Correct Answers) | Pre-August 2019 Scaled Score | August 2019+ Scaled Score |
|---|---|---|
| 28-30 | 28-30 | 28-30 |
| 26-27 | 26-27 | 25-26 |
| 23-25 | 23-25 | 22-24 |
| 20-22 | 20-22 | 19-21 |
| 15-19 | 15-19 | 14-18 |
| 10-14 | 10-14 | 9-13 |
| 0-9 | 0-9 | 0-8 |
2. Listening Section Scoring
The Listening section follows a similar conversion process, though the raw score range is larger due to more questions:
| Raw Score (Correct Answers) | Pre-August 2019 Scaled Score | August 2019+ Scaled Score |
|---|---|---|
| 28-34 | 28-30 | 26-30 |
| 24-27 | 24-27 | 22-25 |
| 20-23 | 20-23 | 18-21 |
| 15-19 | 15-19 | 14-17 |
| 10-14 | 10-14 | 9-13 |
| 0-9 | 0-9 | 0-8 |
3. Speaking Section Scoring
The Speaking section is scored by human raters using a rubric that evaluates:
- Delivery (clarity, fluidity, pronunciation)
- Language use (grammar, vocabulary)
- Topic development (coherence, completeness)
Each of the 4-6 tasks (depending on test version) is scored 0-4, then converted to a scaled score of 0-30. The conversion is approximately:
- 26-30: Advanced (4.0-4.5 average per task)
- 22-25: Strong (3.5-3.9 average)
- 18-21: Good (3.0-3.4 average)
- 14-17: Fair (2.5-2.9 average)
- 10-13: Limited (2.0-2.4 average)
- 1-9: Weak (0-1.9 average)
- 0: Non-performance
4. Writing Section Scoring
The Writing section is scored by a combination of human raters and automated scoring (e-rater). Each of the two tasks is scored 0-5, then converted to a scaled score of 0-30:
- 28-30: Advanced (4.5-5.0 average per task)
- 24-27: Good (4.0-4.4 average)
- 17-23: Fair (3.0-3.9 average)
- 10-16: Limited (2.0-2.9 average)
- 1-9: Weak (0-1.9 average)
- 0: Non-performance
TOEFL Score Proficiency Levels (2019 Standards)
ETS (Educational Testing Service) provides general proficiency guidelines for TOEFL scores:
| Score Range | Proficiency Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 110-120 | Expert | Excellent English skills. Can understand and express complex ideas in academic settings. |
| 95-109 | Advanced | Strong English skills. Can handle most academic tasks with occasional difficulties. |
| 79-94 | Proficient | Moderate English skills. Can participate in academic courses with some support. |
| 60-78 | Intermediate | Basic English skills. May struggle with academic content without significant support. |
| Below 60 | Basic | Limited English skills. Likely needs intensive English language training. |
How Universities Use TOEFL Scores (2019 Data)
In 2019, most universities had the following TOEFL score requirements for international students:
- Ivy League Schools: Typically required 100-110 total score, with minimum section scores of 25-26
- Top 50 U.S. Universities: Generally required 90-100 total score
- Mid-tier Universities: Often accepted scores between 79-89
- Community Colleges: Usually accepted scores of 61-78
According to ETS data from 2019:
- The average TOEFL iBT score worldwide was 83
- The average score for test takers applying to U.S. universities was 90
- Only about 25% of test takers scored 100 or above
- The most common score range was 80-89 (30% of test takers)
Strategies to Improve Your TOEFL Score (2019 Edition)
Based on the 2019 test format, here are evidence-based strategies to improve your score:
1. Reading Section Improvement
- Practice active reading: Highlight key points and summarize paragraphs in your own words
- Expand academic vocabulary: Focus on the TOEFL vocabulary list provided by ETS
- Time management: Spend no more than 20 minutes per passage (pre-August) or 18 minutes (post-August)
- Practice with real materials: Use official TOEFL reading passages from ETS
2. Listening Section Improvement
- Note-taking system: Develop shorthand for common academic terms
- Exposure to accents: Listen to academic lectures from various English-speaking countries
- Predict content: Use visual cues and introduction to anticipate main ideas
- Practice with distractions: Train to focus despite background noise
3. Speaking Section Improvement
- Template responses: Develop flexible templates for each task type
- Recording practice: Record and analyze your responses for clarity and fluency
- Time management: Practice delivering responses in the allotted time (45-60 seconds)
- Think in English: Avoid translating from your native language
4. Writing Section Improvement
- Essay structures: Master the 5-paragraph essay format for the independent task
- Integrated task practice: Work on synthesizing information from reading and listening
- Grammar review: Focus on common academic writing errors
- Typing speed: Aim for at least 30 words per minute to complete essays on time
Common Mistakes to Avoid (2019 Test Takers)
Based on ETS data and test center reports from 2019, these were the most common mistakes:
- Time mismanagement: Many test takers spent too much time on early questions and rushed through later ones
- Overlooking directions: Some lost points by not following specific task instructions
- Memorized responses: In Speaking/Writing, raters could detect and penalize pre-memorized answers
- Ignoring the clock: Particularly in the Writing section, many didn’t leave enough time for the second essay
- Not reviewing: Simple errors in Reading/Listening could be caught with 1-2 minutes of review time
Official Resources for TOEFL Preparation (2019)
Frequently Asked Questions About TOEFL 2019 Scoring
1. How long are TOEFL scores valid?
TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from your test date. This policy was in effect in 2019 and remains current.
2. Can I combine scores from different test dates?
No, ETS does not allow score combining (also known as “superscoring”). Universities only see your scores from individual test dates.
3. How is the TOEFL scored differently from the IELTS?
While both test English proficiency, TOEFL uses computer-based scoring for Reading and Listening, while IELTS uses only human scoring. TOEFL’s integrated tasks (combining skills) are also unique compared to IELTS’s separate skill testing.
4. What was the most difficult section for test takers in 2019?
According to ETS data from 2019, the Speaking section had the lowest average scores globally, with many test takers struggling with the integrated speaking tasks that required synthesizing information from reading and listening.
5. Did the August 2019 changes make the test easier?
The shorter test format introduced in August 2019 reduced test fatigue but didn’t change the fundamental difficulty. The scoring scales were adjusted slightly to maintain comparable score distributions.
6. How were the automated scoring systems (e-rater) used in 2019?
In 2019, ETS used e-rater for the Writing section’s independent task (essay) and for initial scoring of the integrated task. Human raters reviewed all responses, with e-rater providing a consistency check.
7. What was the passing score for TOEFL in 2019?
There is no official “passing” score for TOEFL. Each institution sets its own requirements. However, a score of 80 was generally considered the minimum for most university applications in 2019.
8. How quickly could I get my scores in 2019?
In 2019, TOEFL scores were typically available online 6-10 days after the test date. Paper score reports were mailed about 11 days after the test.
9. Could I request a score review in 2019?
Yes, ETS offered score review services for the Speaking and Writing sections in 2019. The fee was $80 per section, and the review could take 1-2 weeks.
10. How did the TOEFL compare to other English tests in 2019?
In 2019, TOEFL was preferred by most U.S. universities for academic English assessment, while IELTS was more common in the UK and Commonwealth countries. The PTE Academic was growing in popularity but not yet as widely accepted.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your TOEFL Score in 2019
The 2019 TOEFL iBT, with its mid-year format change, presented both challenges and opportunities for test takers. Understanding the scoring system is crucial for effective preparation. Remember these key points:
- The test changed significantly in August 2019, with a shorter format but maintained scoring standards
- Each section contributes equally (0-30 points) to your total score (0-120)
- Raw scores are converted to scaled scores using ETS’s proprietary algorithms
- Human raters score the Speaking and Writing sections using detailed rubrics
- Most universities had specific section score requirements in addition to total score minimums
- Preparation should focus on academic English skills rather than test tricks
For the most current information, always check the official ETS TOEFL website, as scoring policies and test formats may change over time. The 2019 version of the TOEFL remains relevant for understanding the test’s evolution and for those who took the test during that period.